Dear Friends,
Tomorrow is Arkansas Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It’s important to take prescription drugs off the street that could be misused, and I thank the work of my community partners who are making sure they are disposed of safely.
HERE are collection sites in Arkansas where you can take unused prescriptions for safe disposal tomorrow from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM CT.
Yesterday, I hosted a Facebook LIVE session about COVID-19’s impact on the opioid epidemic in Arkansas and what our state and federal leaders are doing to combat this terrible scourge. I heard from Kirk Lane, the Arkansas Drug Director about new developments in the fight against addiction.
Across Arkansas, heartbroken families have told me their stories about how the opioid crisis has claimed the lives of their loved ones, and I want to bring attention to this national tragedy.
According to the Health Resources and Services Administration in 2017, more than 130 Americans died of opioid overdoses each day, and nearly half of these deaths were attributable to fentanyl. Because of one person’s input, Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), Chuck Senator Schumer (D-NY), Rep. Max Rose (D-NY) and I took action to fight fentanyl trafficking.
Our bill, the Fentanyl Sanctions Act, was included in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act and has been signed into law.
Arkansas Drug Director Kirk Lane and I teamed up to discuss the importance of this bill and how Arkansas is fighting this crisis.
To watch, click HERE or on the image below.
Recently, I recognized Derrick Clark on the House Floor for his recovery from addiction.
For years, Derrick wrestled with drug abuse and homelessness on the streets of Little Rock, looking for a fresh start. He spent time at Jericho Way, a Little Rock shelter, where he was able to meet people who saw his potential.
Derrick made the slow march to sobriety and self-sufficiency working at minimum wage jobs until landing a position with a trucking company. With a commercial driver’s license and gainful employment under his belt, Derrick established the Paul Philia scholarship to give others the opportunity to attend trucking school.
Derrick put up $1,000 of his own money to launch the scholarship and the fund was quickly put with the Arkansas Community Foundation. The J.C. Thompson Trust has agreed to match every dollar donated up to $10,000. Derrick is now enrolled in college classes and dreams of writing a book.
He has made Arkansas proud with his resilience and determination.
Recovery is possible, and we can win the fight against this terrible epidemic.
Additionally, if you need professional assistance for someone who is battling addiction, you can call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) which is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing substance use disorders.
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Veterans Memorial Bridge Signage Unveiling Ceremony
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Broadway Bridge in Little Rock Renamed to Honor our Heroes |
I was pleased to participate in Wednesday’s Veterans Memorial Bridge Signage Unveiling Ceremony at the formerly known Broadway Bridge. The bridge was reconstructed and renamed in 2017 as the Veterans Memorial Bridge to honor all of the men and women who nobly served our country.
The Arkansas Veterans Coalition, along with the cities of Little Rock and North Little Rock, established a sign to dedicate the bridge to all veterans.
I am grateful to Col. Nate Todd for inviting me to speak at this wonderful event, and I thank Maj. Keith Dover, Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin, Mayor Frank Scott, Mayor Joe Smith, and Arkansas Department of Transportation Director Lorie Tudor for their presence at this wonderful ceremony.
May our gratitude never diminish toward those who protect our great nation.
| I am committed to our local businesses |
I thank the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) for naming me a Guardian of Small Business. As a life-long entrepreneur, who spent 16 years running a locally owned business in Arkansas, I know what our local job creators need, and I am committed to helping them succeed.
During these unprecedented times, I recognize that now, more than ever, we need our nation’s leaders to step up and pass legislation that will help our small businesses recover from this health and economic crisis.
I appreciate the NFIB's work, which advocates for small businesses, and for the millions of Americans who are employed by small businesses.
As always, I will continue to promote, and support, legislation that benefits the small businesses of hardworking Americans.
| REcognizing Mary Newsome on the house floor |
Longest-Serving Employee of UACCM |
Recently I recognized the career and contribution of Mary Newsome to the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM) and Conway County, Arkansas.
Mary is the longest-serving employee of the college, beginning in 1981 as an “extra help” worker, and is now currently serving as the assistant to the chancellor. Yet, after 39 years, her dedication to others goes far beyond the campus of UA Morrilton.
Her list of community involvement is long, including her service as a board member of the Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce, CHI-St. Vincent-Morrilton, Conway County Senior Adult Center, Conway County School Counts, and even as a Sunday school teacher at her church.
Mary has dedicated her life to the betterment of others, and I thank her for her years of service to UACCM and central Arkansas.
| October is breast cancer awareness month |
A Reminder to Have Routine Screening Done |
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but awareness for this disease should constantly be in our thoughts and on our minds. With one in eight American women developing breast cancer over the course of their lives, too many of us know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, during the pandemic, the weekly average number of people diagnosed with breast cancer dropped by 51.8% — from 2,208 to 1,064. This means that fewer people are being diagnosed in a timely manner.
Now that clinics are opening in Arkansas, it is important to complete your check-ups even if they seem routine. For a guide on how to conduct a self-checkup while you wait for an appointment, click HERE.
It is my honor to represent you in Congress.
Please contact me at (501) 324-5941 or Hill.House.Gov if I may be of service to you.
Sincerely,
Representative French Hill
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